SANA’A, Sept. 16 – The third campaign for blood donations at Sana’a University’s Faculty of Medicine, organized by the Diagnostic Medical Association (DMS), started Sunday and  lasts until Thursday.

Doctor Mohammed Al-Maqtari, an associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine, and one DMS’ founding members, said informing people about the unknown medical problems they suffer from is one of the basic goals of the DMS. He said pre-marital testing covers health issues that Yemenis tend to shy away from focusing on, yet they suffer from these issues. He said Yemenis marry without paying attention to the importance of the test.

"Our society lacks the knowledge of health awareness, especially in marriage issues," Al-Maqtari said.

Ferdoos Al-Ja'ory, head of the DSM and a student at the Faculty of Medicine, said it is important to comprehend the risks that come from ignoring premarital testing. She said it is the duty of people in the medical field to warn society about medical problems.

"Medical problems are one of the biggest barriers for social progress anywhere in the world," she said.

Al-Ja'ory said the DSM opened tents for blood donation to aid people who are sick with Thalassemia and Sickle cell anemia.

"Encouraging people to donate blood is the message that we want to spread among people," she said.   

Reem Abdul-Naser, a first year student at the Faculty of Medicine, donated blood, saying there are many people who need these donations.

"I call for all people to give to help patients who need a blood donation, especially the rare blood groups like AB or O-," she said.

Ibrahim Al-Hammadi, from Ibb, said he donated his blood because Thalassemia patients need blood regularly.

"We can give the chance of life to the patients who suffer from the physical pain and the financial ability to cover treatment expenses," he said.

Al-Maqtari said it should be obligatory for people to receive premarital testing in Yemen to protect the coming generations from having health problems.